Japan vs Japan — 1982 vs 1984
| Cordia Turbo | MR2 Mk1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 135 hp | 112 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 100 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,795 cc | 1,587 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.9 sec | 8.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.8 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 2,350 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm | 2,320 mm |
| Length | 4,330 mm | 3,925 mm |
| Units Produced | 142,851 | 166,104 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1982 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo brings more power to the table, and the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1 answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of performance car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1982 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo versus the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1982 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo holds a clear advantage in raw power with 135 hp compared to 112 hp, a 23-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo uses a Inline-4, SOHC Turbo displacing 1,795 cc, while the Toyota MR2 Mk1 relies on a Inline-4, DOHC with 1,587 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1 edges ahead at 8.4 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.